In an effort to evaluate the economic value and durability of the expanded rice hull as substrates, changes in the physical and chemical properties of material and plant growth in that substrate were studied. Using and electron microscope, the structure of used and new expanded rice hull substrate was examined. Considerable decomposition was found in the substrate which had been used one to three times. Compactness and lowered porosity in the used substrates were probably caused by decomposition. The results of cation analysis showed the possible destruction of cell wall of rice hulls. Abundant $Ca^{2+}$ in the substrates used for two to three times also indicated the possibility of decomposition. In tomato yield comparison, 15.2% more yield of tomato fruit in a new substrates indicated the negative effects of decomposition of one-time used substrates. Yield decreased in the substrates used for three times. if perlite substrates is used for three years before renewal and the cost of the perlite renewal is counted. 65.3% saving in the cost will be realized with the use of an expanded rice hull substrate. Another positive effect of the expanded rice hull substrate is the decrease of environmental contamination.n.